Mariners Sign Felix’s Brother, Cousin, Aunt, Grandmother To Minor League Deals

Photo courtesy scout.com

In a move that was more about making their ace pitcher happy than finding quality talent, the Mariners signed Felix’s older brother Moises Hernandez, 26, to a minor league contract.  Moises has struggled in the minors the past few years, averaging a WHIP even in successful seasons at around 1.4 and an ERA consistently over 4, despite a run-of-the-mill-fastball and an assortment of no other pitches.

To add to what was initially no more than a PR move, the Mariners went on to also sign a number of Felix’s other family members to minor league contracts with Jack Zduriencik quoted as saying, “If Felix can do that well in the majors, even his grandma’s got to have a heck of a fastball.”

But despite Zduriencik’s humurous assertions, Felix’s grandmother, Rosa Ramon Hernandez, is actually being touted as a prospect at shortstop and has already drawn comparisons to Omar Vizquel, Ozzie Smith and Cesar Izturis from her time in the Arizona Rookie League last season.

Also among the signings today were Pedro Hernandez, a speedy outfielder and Felix’s uncle on his father’s side; Lucia Hernandez, Felix’s niece and a power-hitting first baseman with little defensive prowess; and King and Oreo, catching prospects who have been able to handle tennis balls up to 100 mph.

Felix was pleased by the signings and looked forward to seeing many of his family in Arizona this spring.  “I’m just surprised they didn’t sign my great grandmother, too!” he joked.

Eloisa Chavez Ramon, 93, was still waiting for a call back from Scott Boras’ agency at the time of this publication.